Patients with High Expectations (Dreams versus Reality)

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patient expectations - reality

It is true that we all have dreams and we all, in some way, want to believe in magic.  But when it comes to cosmetic work and people's appearance, it's best to be realistic. I know we all have patients with unrealistic expectations. These patients are the ones we should be more careful with and we should spend more time educating them.  Patients with high expectations are usually well informed and they know about all the new technologies but they also, many times, are expecting unrealistic results. I have developed a good eye for these patients and what I have learned is that it is best to create low expectations, show them before and after photos that don't show fabulous results and always offer the possibility to go and get a second opinion. If they decide to stay and pursue their treatments, they know what to expect.  Taking before and after photos with these patients is very important or if you have a computerized image system (Visia), it is also helpful. At the end, the patient will be satisfied and feel that they got good results but realistic ones and you will save yourself from a potential headache.   

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Beatriz Porras MD

Dr. Porras graduated from Medical School from Norte University in Colombia; subsequently she did a surgical internship and fellowship in Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis MO. She completed her Dermatopathology training at UT Southwestern at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas TX, where she trained with one of the best dermatologist in the world, and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology (Dr. Clay J. Cockerell). Dr. Porras was a professor of Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, MO. and currently is the president of Skin Diagnostics Inc., where she serves other physicians by diagnosing skin diseases.

Dr. Porras has extensive research experience, twenty years ago she helped in the research and development of growth factors to promote wound healing, today growth factors are used in several medications and skin products to promote skin regeneration and rejuvenation. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers in leading medical scientific journals and she has contributed several chapters in major dermatology, dermatopathology and plastic surgery textbooks. Dr. Porras is also trained in Laser Medicine and is Laser Certified.

Dr. Porras graduated from Medical School from Norte University in Colombia; subsequently she did a surgical internship and fellowship in Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis MO. She completed her Dermatopathology training at UT Southwestern at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas TX, where she trained with one of the best dermatologist in the world, and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology (Dr. Clay J. Cockerell). Dr. Porras was a professor of Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, MO. and currently is the president of Skin Diagnostics Inc., where she serves other physicians by diagnosing skin diseases. Dr. Porras has extensive research experience, twenty years ago she helped in the research and development of growth factors to promote wound healing, today growth factors are used in several medications and skin products to promote skin regeneration and rejuvenation. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers in leading medical scientific journals and she has contributed several chapters in major dermatology, dermatopathology and plastic surgery textbooks. Dr. Porras is also trained in Laser Medicine and is Laser Certified.